Dean Biersch buys Penngrove’s beloved Twin Oaks Tavern

Sonoma County pub lovers are buzzing about the news that Penngrove-favorite Twin Oaks Tavern has been sold, to HopMonk Tavern owner Dean Biersch.

With a stable of three HopMonks in Sonoma, Sebastopol and Novato, Biersch doesn’t plan to change the Twin Oaks name, but he does plan to up the game in the kitchen and behind the bar.

Since opening in 1924, the Oaks has focused on local music, cold beer, cowboy food like pan fried chicken, and relaxed roadhouse hospitality popular with farmers (and more recently, hipsters) in the area.

Bringing a quick fix, Biersch is introducing more tavern classics like a fried chicken sandwich, chili and cornbread, and smoked pork sliders. Later next year, the entire kitchen will be overhauled for a more extensive menu upgrade.

The bar is getting some love, too, with a new draft system offering 16 craft taps alongside a broader array of boutique bottled beers.

Twin Oaks 91 years ago

Beyond that, Biersch hopes no one will really notice a big change in what he calls a “heritage” site.

Former owner Sheila Groves Tracy will stay on as music booker, though now she’ll juggle an open mic schedule, too, plus manage a new dance floor and vintage jukebox cranking Hank Williams, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more.

Still, there’s one thing longtime Oakers will immediately notice. The outdoor beer garden is being expanded and upgraded, and the pub’s operating license is being changed to allow families with children – children! – to enjoy the vibe.

We can expect the Tavern the close for several weeks in mid-January as improvements begin.